- Safiu Kehinde
A Chinese businessman who was helped by Nigerian social media influencer, Martin Vincent Otse (VeryDarkMan), in recovering his stolen funds, has called for his release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) custody.
NPO Reported that the arrest and detention of the activist on Friday had sparked reactions across the country.
It has also generated online campaign as netizens call for his immediate release.
Lending his voice to the agitation, the Chinese national, simply identified as Ross, also demanded VDM release, stressing that he is a very good man and has committed no crime to warrant being detained.
Ross, in a now viral video shared on X on Sunday, recounted how he met VDM after being robbed of his expensive shoes by a Tanzanian.
“I heard my brother VeryDarkMan has been arrested by the EFCC. Like all brothers, Ross is very angry because he is a very good man and it’s not empty talking.
“Let me tell you how I got to know VDM. There was a Tanzanian called Peter who took Ross’ second hand shoes worth one million in cash and he tried to cheat me.
“Nigerian brothers told me to seek VDM’s help. I just messaged my problem to VDM and the next day, he make a video to expose it.
“Later, Ross got a little money back. He was willing to help a strange, a Chinese, without any reward. So, Ross says he’s a good person and impossible to have done anything illegal.” He said.
Addressing the Nigerian government over VDM’s arrest, Ross acknowledged the richness of the country in terms of land, resources, and labour.
He however decried the economic hardship.
The Chinese faulted VDM’s arrest, accusing the government of choosing to silence those who raised public issues as they affect the citizens.
“I want to say to the Nigerian government. You are a great country with land, resources, and labour. You can definitely develop your country well.
“But look at the current situation, your people are starving and those who work don’t get good payment. Those who do business don’t make good profit.
“I think you arrested VDM because he often speak out on those public issues. You cannot solve the problem so you choose to silence those who raised them. Isn’t that shameless?” He said.
While reiterating that Nigeria is democratic country and free country where critical voices must be tolerated, Ross urged VDM followers to rather wait for his release than taking actions that will worsen the situation.
“Nigerian brothers please share this video and leave supportive comments. Tell the government that it is a democratic and free country.
“It should tolerate critical voice because all Nigerians want their country to become more better and stronger.
“So, please release VDM immediately. But Ross also want to tell VDM followers to please be patient and do not take extreme action to make things worse.
“Wait for VDM’s release and let the truth come out before taking action.” He added.